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BBQ Quail Southwest Style

BBQ Quail Southwest Style: Flavorful Grilling Made Easy

Discover BBQ Quail Southwest Style, a flavorful dish that's quick to prepare and a hit at dinner parties.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Quail
  • 8 pieces Quail A flavorful alternative to traditional meats; you can substitute with chicken if preferred.
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Provides a beautifully seared exterior; any high smoke point oil can be used.
For the BBQ Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter or Lard Adds richness and depth; substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup Onion, grated Offers a sweet base; fresh onion preferred, but onion powder can work in a pinch.
  • 2 shots Tequila Adds Southwest flair; omit for non-alcoholic version or substitute with chicken stock.
  • 1/2 cup Honey Balances spices' natural sweetness; consider mesquite bean syrup for an additional twist.
  • 1/4 cup Cider Vinegar Provides acidity; can be replaced with white vinegar or lemon juice.
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Stock Enhances flavor; vegetable stock is a suitable vegetarian alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped Sage Adds earthy freshness; substitute with thyme or rosemary if desired.
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons Ground Dried Hot Chiles Introduces heat; adjust according to spice preference; feel free to swap in fresh chili.
  • to taste Salt Essential for enhancing flavors.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Medium saucepan
  • Kitchen shears
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan, heat unsalted butter or lard over medium heat until melted. Add grated onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until soft. Stir in tequila, honey, cider vinegar, chicken stock, chopped sage, ground dried hot chiles, and salt. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  2. Using kitchen shears, carefully remove the backbones from quail to flatten them. Season with salt and coat with vegetable oil.
  3. Preheat your grill to a medium-high setting (350-400°F). Create an indirect cooking area.
  4. Place seasoned quail on the cooler side of the grill, breast side down, and cook for 10 minutes without moving.
  5. After 10 minutes, flip the quail and brush with BBQ sauce. Repeat basting every 10 minutes for a total cooking time of 30 minutes.
  6. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; quail should reach 150°F to 155°F.
  7. Once done, flip quail and brush with BBQ sauce. Grill for an additional 2 minutes on each side.
  8. Let the quail rest for a few minutes before serving with sides.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Always check internal temperature for safety and tenderness. Experiment with flavors for variety.

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